Process for Mirchi extradition initiated: MEA

New Delhi: A day after Iqbal Memon alias `Iqbal Mirchi` was arrested in London, India today said the process involving extradition of the close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim was being initiated. "A Red Corner notice for the arrest of Memon had been issued and continues to be valid, which means that he is a wanted person and that we do seek his extradition back to India.

"The processes involved for his extradition are being initiated," official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said in response to a query. Considered to be the right-hand man of Dawood Ibrahim, 61-year-old Memon is wanted by Mumbai police in connection with cases related to drug peddling and 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

According to CBI, Memon, against whom an Interpol Red Corner Notice was pending since 1994, is being interrogated by the London Police in connection with a crime he had committed in that country. He was earlier detained in London in 1995 but the UK authorities had turned down India`s request for his extradition at that point in time.